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Discover…Gardens in Cornwall

From perfectly manicured lawns and precisely pruned borders to wild woodlands and tropical jungles, it’s fair to say that the public gardens in Cornwall offer plenty to those with green fingers. The county is blessed with beautiful gardens; from those in the remote West to fine examples close to the border with Devon, there are some stunning gardens in Cornwall for you to visit.

Here’s just some of our favourite gardens in Cornwall..

The Lost Gardens Of Heligan were rediscovered as recently as 1992 and have been hailed as one of the best examples in the country. Today there is more than 200 acres to explore, with some spectacular rhodedendrons, palm trees and ponds to wander beside. There’s also a tearoom for that all-important Cornish cream tea as well as a gift shop. Dogs are also welcome (to be kept on leads).

Welcome to the sub-tropical paradise that is Trebah Garden. Set in a magnificent location, close to the Helford River, Trebah really is one of the most special gardens in Cornwall and has been rates as one of the 80 best in the world. From Australian trees and ferns to Mediterranean and southern hemisphere plants, wandering around this special landscape will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a different continent. There is also a visitor centre, plant and gift shop.

Take the King Harry Ferry to this magical National Trust property and you’ll be transported into another world. Trelissick Gardens boasts some awe-inspiring views of the Cornish countryside and coastline. This 40-acre garden offers year-round colour, with many paths and routes available to explore; you can also use the garden as a starting point for a wider walk around the Fal Estuary. If you fancy sampling some local Cornish produce then their large tea room is great value, and there is also a gift shop and art gallery too.

This waterside garden is nestles close to the idyllic Helford River and boast some magical views and beautiful blooms in every season. Glendurgan is one of the most characteristic valley gardens in Cornwall and well worth going the extra mile to visit. Like Trelissick, you can use the garden as a base to explore further the stunning south coast landscape.

Pinetum Park near St Austell is a real must for any horticulturalist, with over 6,000 labelled plants to view. Stroll around over 10 different gardens at Pinetum, which was created by Ray and Shirley Clemo, who travelled the world collecting seeds and plants to establish a truly remarkable garden. Marvel at the unique flora and habitat, which combines to create a stunning visual display. Pinetum Park is also home to a beautiful pair of black swans

The outstanding gardens at Trewithen are internationally renowned and feature a magnificent collection of camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons as well as other famously rare and highly prized plants. The gardens are nestled within 30 acres of woodlands and parklands and it is one of only 30 gardens on the world to be recognised as an International Camellia Society Garden of Excellence. Guided tours of the garden are also available.

Cotehele is a wonderfully preserved Tudor house situated in the Tamar Valley. With formally planted terraces, ‘Valley Garden’, medieval stewpond and dovecote, plus Upper Garden and orchards which offer great opportunities for exploring. Cotehele Quay is also the home of the restored Tamar sailing barge Shamrock and is gateway to a wider estate. The Discovery Centre tells the story of the Tamar Valley. If you’re happy to venture a little further from home then a this really is one of the most beautiful gardens in Cornwall.